Roadblocks in KL ahead of ISA gatherings
(The Star) – Police have set up roadblocks ahead of gatherings planned by two groups, one against and the other for the Internal Security Act (ISA), on Saturday.
Roadblocks have been set up along Jalan Tun Razak, Taman Connought, Jalan Loke Yew, Jalan Travers and several other entry points into the city by police here.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said his men would screen motorists.
“All those planning to attend the illegal gatherings must be prepared to face stern action from us, regardless if they are for or against the use of the ISA. We will not compromise as far as security is concerned,’’ he said.
“We apologise if this inconveniences members of the public who are against such illegal gatherings,” he added.
The anti-ISA movement, Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) or the “Abolish the ISA Movement,” plans to have 100,000 people march to the Istana Negara to hand over a memorandum urging the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to dissolve the Act.
Their supporters are expected to gather at several locations in the city, including Masjid Jamek, Kompleks Sogo and Masjid Negara.
The pro-ISA group known as Pembela Negara Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations Council (Magaran), which claims it comprises 56 NGOs with over 100,000 members, gave GMI an ultimatum to cancel the rally.
Police road block at Jalan Cheras near Taman Midah ahead of the Pro-ISA and Anti-ISA rally to be held tomorrow. Otherwise, it said, it would hold a counter-rally to hand the Agong a memorandum supporting the ISA.
Other pro-ISA groups that have threatened similar action are Majlis Pemuafakatan Ummah (Pewaris) and Persatuan Pribumi Perkasa (Perkasa).
Police have not granted permits for any of these gatherings.
City police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Wira Muhammad Sabtu Osman had already warned on Tuesday that police will would set up roadblocks on all roads leading to the city and within the city for two days before the event.
“Any buses suspected of ferrying people to the illegal gathering would be stopped and detained under Section 105 of the Criminal Procedure Code as a preventive measure.
Police roadblock at Jalan Travers. “A large number of police personnel would also be stationed at several key areas in and around the city to monitor locations where people may start gathering,” he had said.
On Thursday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein had also warned that stern action would be taken against either group if they disturbed the peace.
